New York: Europe and the Arabs
UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the significant progress made in renewable energy, which he said not only stimulates economies but also drives growth, creates jobs, reduces energy bills, and improves air quality. According to the UN Daily News Bulletin, a copy of which we received this morning, the Secretary-General was speaking via videoconference to the high-level segment of the 16th Petersburg Climate Dialogue in Germany.
Guterres noted the International Renewable Energy Agency's announcement today that 2024 was a record year for the addition of renewable energy to global electricity generation capacity.
Renewable energy sources accounted for more than 92% of the total new electricity generation capacity installed last year.
Guterres said that renewable energy is becoming a smart investment every day. He noted that the cost of wind power has fallen by 60% since 2010, while solar power has become 90% cheaper.
The Secretary-General added that "the world is at a turning point for the future." He noted that the ten years since the Paris Climate Agreement have witnessed significant progress.
He said: "A decade ago, the planet was on track for a global temperature rise of more than 4 degrees Celsius (compared to the pre-industrial era)." Today, national climate action plans, if fully implemented, bring us closer to a temperature rise of about 2.6 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, Guterres pointed to the growing climate challenges. He referred to a recent report by the World Meteorological Organization that indicated that 2024 witnessed dangerous increases in various climate indicators, leading to increased displacement, food insecurity, and rising food prices.
However, he said that scientists clearly confirm that the long-term goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is achievable. He stated that this requires leadership and urgent action.
The Secretary-General spoke about two important areas for advancing climate action.
First, the new national climate plans, which are due to be submitted by September.
The Secretary-General stressed that these plans must be consistent with the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit agreed upon at COP28 and provide a coherent vision for a just green transition. They must also lead to a 60% reduction in global emissions by 2035, compared to 2019.
He said The G20, which represents the largest economies and the largest emitters, must take the lead. He emphasized that every country has a role to play in this regard. He said the United Nations supports everyone in this regard. He noted that the "UN Climate Promise" program supports 100 countries in preparing their new climate plans.
Second, providing the necessary financing for developing countries.
In this context, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of implementing the climate finance agreement reached at COP29 and fulfilling the pledge made by developed countries to double climate change adaptation financing to $40 billion annually.
Guterres said, "We will only achieve these goals by strengthening cooperation between governments, across sectors, and across society."